"Best Communities for Music Education" Annual Survey Recognizes and Celebrates Support for Music Education

Since 1998, the NAMM Foundation has been conducting the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Survey, a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify commitment to music education. The initiative recognizes and celebrates communities and their school administrators, teachers, board members, parents, community leaders and students for their support and commitment to their music education programs. The program also acknowledges community and school district commitment to assure access to music education for all students.

The 2009 survey opens on Thursday, January 15, and remains open through Friday, March 13. The survey can be completed by visiting the NAMM Foundation on the Web at www.nammfoundation.org and is open to parents, teachers, school administrators, community members who wish to enter information about their school and community. Only one survey application per school district or community is allowed. The projected announcement of the BCME final roster is Friday, April 10.

“In the past, recipients of the Best Communities for Music Education designation cited increased enrollment in music programs and continued support from parents and community members as they realize the physical, mental and emotional value music education brings to students,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation.

Participants in the survey answer detailed questions about enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses are verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations review the data.

In conducting the annual survey, the NAMM Foundation is joined by advisory organizations in the fields of music and education: Americans for the Arts (www.americansforthearts.org), League of American Orchestras (www.americanorchestras.org), The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org), The Metropolitan Opera Guild (www.operaed.org), Music for All (www.musicforall.org), Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org), National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts (www.nationalguild.org), National PTA (www.pta.org), Yamaha Corporation of America (www.yamaha.com) and VH1 Save The Music Foundation (www.vh1savethemusic.com).

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.